Without a collective agreement, your employer can fire you without just cause if they decide they want to hire a family member or friend to fill your position. The union protects your job through a grievance procedure, should your employer try and fire you, demote you to a lower position or remove you from the workplace. As a union member, the pay, benefits and working conditions outlined in our collective agreement are guaranteed.

Unionized worksites are safer because unions advocate for stronger health and safety regulations, ensure proper training, and empower workers to speak up about hazards without fear of retaliation. They negotiate for better protective equipment, enforceable safety standards, and regular inspections, reducing workplace injuries and fatalities. They also provide workers with representation to address concerns collectively, ensuring employers comply with legal safety obligations. Studies have shown that these workplaces have lower injury rates due to these proactive measures, creating a culture where safety is prioritized over production pressures.

Employees who are unionized tend to be more productive workers than non-unionized employees. The job that pays better wage, has benefits and provides a safe work environment will attract a much more productive and dedicated worker compared to lower paying jobs with no benefits and no job security. Workers who have a strong work ethic and a high level of competency typically apply to unionized workplaces.

By forming a union where you work, you're creating more good jobs, and building a more secure future for yourself and your community. When you replace low-wage and temporary jobs with good union jobs, you boost local economies, lift living standards, and strengthen tax bases.

Pensions, medical insurance, sick pay, leaves of absence, shift and overtime premiums are benefits that come with being part of a unionized workplace. Unionized workplaces are governed by a collective agreement, which outlines the benefits and supports workers receive while they are both on and off the worksite. Many of these benefits do not exist in non-unionized worksites.

Through the Carpenters' Union, you as an employee have access to a variety of resources such as: - In-house legal team to support members legally on the jobsite when issues arise. - In-house training for workers that includes health and safety training as well as skill-specific training. - The ability to transfer to another Local affiliated with the Carpenters' Union if you decide to relocate.

Ever been told to do something in a certain way, even though you knew it wasn't the right way? Having a union means having a partnership on your jobsite. Your view and skills are respected. You work with your co-workers to solve problems. And have what you need to get the job done the first time!

Health and welfare benefits are a package of support services provided to union members and their families to help cover the costs of medical, dental, vision, and prescription care, as well as other essential needs like disability and life insurance. These benefits are negotiated through collective agreements and funded by employer contributions, offering members peace of mind and financial protection in times of illness, injury, or personal need.

As a union member, you no longer have to fight workplace harassment, arbitrary decisions made by management or workplace mistreatment. Union workers have support on each and every job site affiliated with the union. Being part of a union gives every worker the right to be protected while at work.

Because collective agreements are negotiated by and for everyone on the job, collective agreements emphasize equality and fair treatment. The agreements provide a written set of rules that applies to everyone on every job, eliminating discrimination and guaranteeing that no one can be unfairly or arbitrarily disciplined or dismissed.